Our History

Ouachita Children, Youth, and Family Services (OCYFS) has a rich and compelling history that dates back to the late 1800s. The 1928 historic building in Hot Springs that is home to Ouachita Children’s Center (OCC) is a continuation of a tradition that began in 1910 as the Interstate Orphan’s Home: the tradition of caring for youth. Convinced by Catherine “Mother” Birnbaum of the need for an orphan’s home, a bequest from Hot Springs business owner, Otto Neubert, provided the land. The original home burned down sometime between 1925 and 1926. So through the generous efforts of the Hot Springs Kiwanis Club and our community, the current OCC building at 339 Charteroak Street, was built.

Eventually, the need for orphanages faded as the state shifted its efforts to place children in foster homes and juvenile training schools. So in the mid-1970s began a movement to move away from youth incarceration and toward community based resources, prevention, and early intervention to reduce reliance on lock-up facilities. In response, a group of community volunteers, including the Lion’s Club, recognized the need for an emergency shelter for youth in crisis. With the help of juvenile justice officials, OCC was founded in 1977.

Today OCYFS serves the most vulnerable youth and families across Arkansas. OCYFS provides emergency shelter, prevention education, and supportive services for runaway, homeless, abused, and at-risk youth, as well as victims of domestic violence, and those experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness. Through programs like the Ouachita Children’s Center (OCC), Ouachita Youth Center (OYC), Ouachita Family Center (OFC), Homelessness Prevention Programs, and community outreach efforts, OCYFS empowers individuals with the tools they need to build safer, more stable futures.